DU prepares for a safe Holi

One thing that happens for sure before the festival of colours, Holi, is the list of guidelines issued by Delhi University (DU) for its students to maintain order and decorum on the day of the festival.

One thing that happens for sure before the festival of colours, Holi, is the list of guidelines issued by Delhi University (DU) for its students to maintain order and decorum on the day of the festival.

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With barely a few days left for the festival, the guidelines issued by the Proctor’s Office, DU, don’t permit students to play with colours or water balloons on campus during working hours. “The measures are taken every year to prevent the menace of eve-teasing and harassment. Starting from this week till the festival, entry to colleges and hostels will be strictly restricted to students with college identity cards,” says Dr P K Burma, joint proctor, North Campus.

To ensure a hassle free festival, DU will bring in force all the anti-ragging and eve-teasing provisions in case a complaint of harassment is registered by any student. They have also taken support and help from the Delhi Police to do so. “These guidelines are precautionary measures, so that Holi can be enjoyed in its true spirit,” says Dr Burma.

This year, student volunteers will be deployed in DTC buses to keep a check on any untoward incident inside the buses, so that the concerned authorities can be informed immediately. “Like previous years, we will be checking for any case of harassment against women in DTC buses. But this year, we have also planned to bring in students to make the process more efficient,” says Dr Burma.

The university has also issued a list of helpline numbers for the students to contact in case of emergency.

The guidelines, which were published on the university’s Facebook page, has garnered a mixed response from students. While some students have appreciated the efforts of the university, others are upset with the restrictions put on them by DU. “Holi crap”, reads a post by Yograj Patel. “Kripya holi khelne pe pabandhi na lagayein (Please don’t restrict holi celebrations),” posted Vivek Kumar.

Helpline numbers
Joint Commissioner of Police (South) — 23490208
Joint Commissioner of Police (North) — 23490206
Joint Commissioner of Police (New Delhi Range)— 23490207
Joint Control Room/ Proctor’s Office — 27667291
Deputy Dean, Students’ Welfare (South Campus)— 24109832